The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the living room where Aya sat, her tiny fingers grasping at the colorful blocks scattered around her. Mimi watched her with a soft smile, sipping her coffee as Itsuki entered the room, stretching and yawning.
"Morning," Itsuki murmured, leaning down to kiss Mimi's cheek.
"Morning," Mimi replied, her eyes still on Aya. "She's been up since six, building her own little city."
Itsuki chuckled, ruffling Aya's hair. "Looks like she's got an architect's mind."
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their peaceful morning. Mimi stood up, curious, and opened the door to find a woman holding a tray of muffins, a little girl peeking out from behind her.
"Hi! I'm Elena, your new neighbor. We just moved in next door," the woman said with a bright smile. "I thought I'd come by and introduce myself. This is my daughter, Juliet."
Mimi smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Elena. I'm Mimi, and this is my partner, Itsuki. And that's our daughter, Aya."
Juliet stepped forward, her eyes wide as she looked at Aya. Aya, in turn, stared back, clutching a red block in her hand.
"Would you like to come in?" Mimi offered, stepping aside.
"That would be lovely," Elena replied, entering the apartment.
As the adults settled into conversation over coffee and muffins, Aya and Juliet sat on the floor, eyeing each other cautiously. Aya held out the red block to Juliet, who took it hesitantly. A moment later, they were both giggling, building towers together.
"They seem to be getting along well," Elena observed.
"They do," Itsuki agreed. "It's nice to see Aya making a friend."
Over the next few weeks, the two families grew closer. Playdates became a regular occurrence, with Aya and Juliet becoming inseparable. They would spend hours playing in the park, drawing with crayons, and sharing snacks.
One afternoon, as the children napped, Elena turned to Mimi and Itsuki. "Have you thought about enrolling Aya in kindergarten? Juliet is starting next month."
Mimi and Itsuki exchanged a glance. "We have," Mimi said. "It's just… she's growing up so fast."
Elena nodded understandingly. "I know the feeling. But it's a big step for them."
The conversation lingered in Mimi's mind. That evening, as she watched Aya sleep, she whispered, "You're growing up, my little star."
The next morning, Mimi and Itsuki sat down with Aya, explaining the idea of kindergarten. Aya listened intently, her eyes wide.
"You'll make new friends and learn new things," Itsuki said gently.
Aya nodded slowly. "Juliet too?"
"Yes, Juliet will be there," Mimi assured her.
A week later, the two families visited the kindergarten together. The children explored the colorful classrooms, their laughter echoing through the halls.
As they left, Aya clutched Mimi's hand. "I like it," she said softly.
Mimi smiled, her heart full. "I'm glad, sweetheart."
The days leading up to the first day of kindergarten were filled with preparations. New backpacks, lunchboxes, and clothes were bought. Mimi and Itsuki took turns reading stories about school to Aya, easing her nerves.
Finally, the big day arrived. Aya stood at the door, her backpack on her shoulders, holding Juliet's hand.
"You ready?" Itsuki asked, crouching down to Aya's level.
Aya nodded confidently. "Ready."
As they walked to the school, Mimi and Itsuki watched their daughter with pride. She was growing, blooming into her own person.
After dropping the girls off, Mimi and Itsuki returned home, the apartment feeling unusually quiet.
"She's going to be okay," Itsuki said, wrapping an arm around Mimi.
"I know," Mimi replied, leaning into her. "But I already miss her."
They spent the day keeping busy, counting down the hours until pick-up time. When they arrived at the school, Aya and Juliet ran to them, excitedly sharing stories of their day.
That evening, as Aya drifted off to sleep, Mimi and Itsuki sat on the couch, reflecting on the day's events.
"She's growing up," Mimi said softly.
"She is," Itsuki agreed. "And we're right there with her."
They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the city outside their window, embracing the new chapter of their lives.
To Be continued